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Soldier with local ties injured in Afghanistan

Area residents have been praying for a soldier with local ties who was severely injured in Afghanistan last week, according to Nunica resident Brian Clark, the soldier's uncle.

Marie Havenga

Oct 22, 2011

Tim Senkowski, 27 — whose father, Allen Clark, graduated from Spring Lake High School in 1985 — was injured by a roadside bomb on Oct. 13, according to Brian Clark. Senkowski lost both legs in the incident, tore his right tricep and injured his eye.

“We did not know until two days ago whether or not he would make it,” said Clark, who graduated from Spring Lake High School in 1982. “He’s back in the states now — in a Washington, D.C., hospital.

“We didn’t know what kind of mental capacity he was going to have after this,” Clark continued. “But when they did wake him up, he said, ‘Tell my wife I love her’ — and he asked about his children. He joked with the doctors.”

Senkowski lives in Indiana and his father now resides in Detroit, according to Clark, who said that Senkowski visits him often when he’s in the states.

“We shoot target practice out in Nunica at a friends’ house when he’s here,” said Clark, adding that he and his nephew enjoy fishing together.

Clark said it’s been a difficult week.

“All of us were in shock and tears finding out he lost both legs and had head injuries, but now we know he’s in great spirits,” Clark said. “He still wants to be in the service and he wants to work with wounded soldiers. He’s in a lot of pain, but his whole attitude is absolutely incredible.”

Donations are being accepted at the PNC Bank Timothy Frank Senkowski Family Fund. For more information, e-mail Senkowski’s mother at tamraokeefe@att.net.

To read more of this story, see today’s print or e-edition of the Grand Haven Tribune.